Delivering an Executive Search to Support Strategic Growth for a Health Research Institute
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by a leading health research institute in New South Wales to appoint a Chief Operating Officer to support the organisation’s strategic growth and operational excellence.
The institute was undergoing significant expansion, transitioning to a multicentred model with multiple campuses. This unique networked structure required consistent systems, governance, and operational leadership across all sites. The COO role was pivotal in enabling this transformation, with responsibility for operational leadership, research support infrastructure, and the development of best practice operating models.
The ideal candidate was expected to bring deep experience in medical research environments, either as a current COO or a Deputy COO ready to step into a broader leadership role. Key attributes included strategic acumen, commercial insight, and the ability to lead and influence a large, diverse workforce. The role demanded exceptional stakeholder engagement skills to foster collaboration across internal teams and external partners, and the capability to support nationally competitive research platforms across neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular, mental health, and more.
The COO would also play a critical role in sourcing funding, strengthening governance, and driving operational rigour to support the institute’s translational research mission and global competitiveness.
The Process
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive search process tailored to the organisation’s needs.
Key steps included:
- Briefing and Strategy Development: Engaged with key stakeholders to understand the strategic priorities and operational challenges of the role.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Leveraged extensive referral networks and conducted an online advertising campaign, reaching approximately 75 potential candidates and referral partners. Research was focused on high calibre candidates with specific and relevant experience gained in Medical Research Institutes across Australia and New Zealand, in addition to individuals in other complex environments within health or universities who also have experience within Medical Research Institutes
- Candidate Assessment: Potential candidates who met the brief participated in an initial behavioural interview with the lead Consultant, with a qualified shortlist submitted to the client for consideration.
- Final Evaluation: At panel interviews, held on the client site, candidates were evaluated on their ability to build relationships, drive collaboration, and support the institute’s expanding footprint. Full referencing and qualification verification was completed for the preferred candidate prior to an offer being finalised.
Top Capabilities Selected for the Role
Stakeholder Relations
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships across corporate, government, and university sectors.
Governance and Compliance
Experience driving best practice and operational rigour in complex environments
Commercial Acumen
Background in business development and strategic partnerships to support organisational growth.
Adaptability and Resilience
Proven success navigating challenging political environments during times of change.
Culture and Engagement
Leadership style that fosters collaboration and supports a high-performance research culture.
The Outcome
The process resulted in the appointment of a seasoned Chief Operating Officer with international experience in complex health environments and a strong background in commercial and business development.
The appointed leader brought proven capability in navigating political environments, building cross-sector relationships, and leading through transition and change—aligning with the institute’s vision to translate research breakthroughs into real-world treatments.
